Numerical simulation and experimental study for rheo-forged component using direct and indirect die system

Sand casting and die casting processes have been used widely for complex automotive products such as knuckle, arm, etc. Usually, a part fabricated by casting has limited strength due to manufacturing defects such as the dendrite structure, segregation and porosities. As an attempt to offer a solution to these problems, forging has been used as an alternative process. However, the forging process provides limited formability for complex shape products. Rheo-forging of metal offers not only superior mechanical strength but also requires significantly lower machine loads than solid forming processes. In order to produce semi-solid materials of the desired microstructure, a stirring process is applied during solidification of molten metal. The results of an A356 aluminum alloy sample, which are obtained by experiment and by simulation using DEFORM 3D, are present.